Jordan Lyles unable to make move in fifth starter derby as Rockies make first round of cuts

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jordan Lyles delivers against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a spring exhibition baseball game on Sunday, March 16, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (Associated Press)

GLENDALE, ARIZ. — Jordan Lyle’s performance Sunday wasn’t indifferent as much as it was inconclusive. He had an opportunity to create separation in the fifth starter derby and was unable to escape the fifth inning in the Rockies’ 3-3 tie with the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch.

Lyles breezed through three innings, then ran into trouble in the fourth. Adrian Gonzalez punched a groundball through a drawn-in infield, and Juan Uribe doubled. Traffic in the fifth led to an early exit as Lyles reached 75 pitches.

“I felt good. The changes I have made (to get more groundballs) have been beneficial,” said Lyles, who allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings on five hits.

Lyles’ ERA climbed to 2.92. Statistically he has a slight lead over Franklin Morales. Morales’ versatility could land him in the bullpen. Lyles is viewed only as a starter.

HITS: Charlie Blackmon posted three hits to snap out of his slump. … Brandon Barnes made a terrific leaping grab at the left-field wall to start a double play and save Matt Belisle from a potential big inning. … Charlie Culberson played flawlessly at shortstop. He has looked most comfortable at short and second base as he vies for the utility job.

MISSES: The Dodgers saw a run erased on Walt Weiss’ first successful replay challenge in three attempts. Right fielder Yasiel Puig made a 250-foot throw to the plate to nail Matt McBride. But replays showed there was no tag on the play and the run scored.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.